Two inspirational farming events will be held at the Pavilions of Harrogate next month – with last few tickets remaining!

The Women In Farming annual conference will feature a series of guest talks as well as a Q&A session, lunch and networking when it’s held on Tuesday October 15.

New Zealand’s “Resilient Farmer” Doug Avery is set to come to the Pavilions of Harrogate as part of UK tour “Shift Happens! An Audience with the Resilient Farmer” on Thursday October 17.

Nigel Pulling, Chief Executive of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, said: “We are very much looking forward to hosting two important events for the farming community, both of which are sure to inspire the audiences. Women In Farming is always very popular and brings together women farmers to network and hear from five top speakers.

“We are also delighted to be one of 12 venues nationally to host Doug Avery who is sure to be inspiring and insightful for many farmers and their families across Yorkshire. This is your chance to come and hear from someone who has faced the brutal realities of farming and turned around their fortunes to becoming one of the most successful beef and sheep enterprises in New Zealand. Both events are not to be missed!”

The Women In Farming annual conference will include guest talks from: John Pinches who is Barclays Regional Agricultural Director for North East, Yorkshire and Scottish Borders; Becky Waring, Owner of Cherry View Milk near Beverley; Emma Mosey, Co-owner of Minskip Farm Shop near Boroughbridge; Sophie Throup, Head of Senior Corporate Affairs (Agriculture) at Morrisons and Faith Douglas, Part-time Curator at Thorp Perrow Arboretum and owner of Forest Bathing UK.

The Yorkshire Rural Support Network (YRSN), which is part of The Yorkshire Agricultural Society, has organised the event and is grateful to Barclays, Morrisons and Savills UK for their sponsorship.

Kate Dale, YRSN co-ordinator, said: “During yet another year of uncertainty for both individuals and businesses, the day offers a welcome diversion from politics to hear from those who are ‘keeping calm and carrying on’ in true Yorkshire style. A warm welcome is extended to anyone with an interest in or connection with food, farming and the countryside. It will offer an informal day, designed to give support and focus on how we might respond to the challenges ahead in a practical way. Women can often be the motivators for change and can play a pivotal role in offering an alternative dimension, that is not to say that men are more than welcome to join the day too!”

The event costs £15/head and runs from 10am to 2.30pm. Light buffet lunch is included and there will be a hamper raffle for RABI. To book your place, please contact Kate Dale on E: kated@yas.co.uk or M: 07912 495604

New Zealand’s “Resilient Farmer” Doug Avery UK tour has been organised by The Farming Community Network (FCN) and Rural Support Northern Ireland and will be held at 12 locations across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, including at the Pavilions.

The Yorkshire Rural Support Network (thanks to funding from Two Ridings Community Foundation and the Yorkshire Agricultural Society) are pleased to be supporting the FCN as they bring Doug’s UK Tour to Yorkshire.

Doug, a New Zealand farmer, has received critical acclaim around the world for his unique approach to farming, the environment and mental health. After years of spiralling debts, drought and depression, he has turned his 5,900 acre farm into one of New Zealand’s most successful farming enterprises, winning several awards on the way. Doug documented his experiences in a book, also titled “The Resilient Farmer”, which has sold over 18,000 copies worldwide.

Doug will be sharing details of his experiences and the journey to where he is now with the aim of inspiring members of the farming community who are looking, or needing, to change their approach to their business and their personal life.

Doug said: “British farming is facing many challenges, with environmental issues, the power of market forces and, of course, Brexit. With this tour, I am hoping that I will be able to help those members of the farming community think their way through the situations they might find themselves in and become resilient farmers themselves. I’m delighted to be joining forces with FCN and Rural Support and I’m really looking forward to sharing my story with British farmers and hearing their stories too.”

Charles Smith, FCN Chief Executive, said: “As a charity, our workload is constantly rising, mainly due to farmers experiencing severe financial hardship, outbreaks of animal disease and the impact of adverse weather conditions. We are anticipating a significant increase in our workload after Brexit, so the timing of this tour could not be better. We are delighted that Doug has agreed to return to our shores and impart his wisdom on those who are concerned about what the future might hold for their farming business and how it might have an impact on their wellbeing.”

Tickets for the talk will cost £10 per person and will include a light supper for all attendees. Further information about the tour, including venues and details of how to book tickets, can be found at www.resilientfarmertour.co.uk

EDITOR’S NOTES

• The Great Yorkshire Show is England’s premier agricultural event, organised by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, a registered charity supporting rural Yorkshire
• The YAS supports and promotes the farming industry through health care, business, education and funding scientific research into rural affairs.
• The YAS is supported by its family of businesses including Fodder, Yorkshire Event Centre, Pavilions of Harrogate and the Harrogate Caravan Park as well as events Great Yorkshire Show, Countryside Live and Springtime Live.
• Events at the Great Yorkshire Showground contribute £47 million a year to the local economy.

CONTACT

Jo Francisco
PR Manager
Yorkshire Agricultural Society
Direct Line: 01423 546215 | Mobile: 07954 007414
Email: jof@yas.co.uk